If you are in need of tooth restoration to improve the look and feel of your smile, you may have heard of inlays and onlays. At Dr. Kenneth Cho Dentistry, we offer both inlays and onlays to help provide you with a full range of cosmetic options to improve the way your smile looks. We want to enhance your smile and help you gain a boost of confidence when you look at your teeth in the mirror.

If you are unsure of what inlays and onlays are, you are not alone. In fact, many people do not know what they are and others have never even heard of them. Inlays and onlays are used in place of a traditional filling and they are meant to last a lifetime within your mouth. Each inlay and onlay is crafted specially for your tooth in a lab and then sent to our La Habra office to be placed. Having the inlay and onlay made ensures a proper and snug fit to your tooth.

The main difference between an inlay and an onlay is the placement of where the material goes. For instance, an inlay is when the material is placed at the center of the tooth or within the tooth. An onlay is when the material is placed on the outside of the tooth’s biting surface or on the cusps of the tooth.

Why Do I Need an Inlay or Onlay?

If you are wondering why you would need an inlay or onlay, this is a good question. Traditional fillings do not always work the way they need to, which means that you should have an alternative option that will work better for your situation. Inlays and onlays are able to provide you with a perfect fit because they bond to the tooth itself and this provides a strong, tight bond. The bonding of the material to the tooth makes it a much more durable option and some patients prefer this.

Another reason you may choose an inlay or onlay is because they are able to be color matched to your natural teeth. This way, you do not have to worry about a silver filling right in the center of your tooth. The inlay and onlay will seamlessly blend into the tooth and no one will ever know it is there.

Lastly, many patients like the option of inlays and onlays because they are easier to maintain and do not require as much care as other options. The material is bonded onto the tooth too, which means there are no edges that can be broken or chipped off. In addition, food does not become wedged or stuck within the inlay or onlay.

How Are Inlays and Onlays Placed on the Tooth?

When you come into our La Habra office, you will meet with Dr. Cho who will discuss the procedure with you and go over any important information that you may need to know. The procedure is often completed in two different visits, so do be prepared for that. The first visit consists of the preparation of your tooth. Dr. Cho will shape your tooth and take an impression of it. This impression is then sent to the lab for production and you will head home until it comes back into our office.

Sometimes a temporary inlay or onlay is placed on the tooth, but it is not always necessary and Dr. Cho will determine if you need a temporary one.

When you come back into the office, the permanent inlay or onlay will be placed onto your tooth. Prior to being bonded in place, Dr. Cho will make sure the fit is right and that you are comfortable with the way that it feels. Once in place, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth.

Schedule an Appointment Now

If you are interested in inlays or onlays, it is important to talk to Dr. Cho about your options to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, Dr. Cho will schedule you in for an appointment to have the procedure performed. If you happen to need any additional cosmetic work, you may be able to have it performed at this time as well.

Don’t wait until it is too late and contact Dr. Kenneth Cho Dentistry today. We want to help you restore your smile. Dr. Cho is a caring dentist who wants you to have the smile you dream of.